“Must we talk about it?” Regulus whined. He would have rather forgotten about the whole thing or pretended that he never cared. He wanted to cry, and he would, if James kept pressing him any further. He was not going to explain what had happened. No, nothing would humiliate him more in this situation.
“Yeah, we must. You’re a mean beater, and far better than your brother - don’t tell him I said that - anyway - how could they ever say no?” James was losing his shit, waving his hands as he ranted. James had been looking forward to meeting Regulus in the Quidditch pitch. He didn’t care if Regulus wasn’t out there to protect him - because he wouldn’t be - but it would be hisboyfriend out there, living out his dream. Even if James stumbled upon a bludger or two it wouldn’t matter because he’d know Regulus was only doing the very thing that made his miserable life a little more tolerable. “Tell me,” James began whining, grabbing Regulus by his sleeve, “Tell me.. tell meeeeee-”
“It’s an all-boys team, go figure!” Regulus snapped, and held his mouth so he wouldn’t lose his composure again. James looked like he’d been hit on his head. Taking his time to process what he just heard, he refused to believe it, but he had to. Regulus either stayed silent or told the truth, with him.
“But.. you are a boy,” he stuttered weakly, loosening his grip.
“Of course I am!” Regulus tutted, as though to convince himself. His self esteem was never as unwavering as James’, nor could it ever become that, not with how he was raised. James was seeking Regulus’ hand. Regulus held onto it weakly, not feeling up to it. Not feeling up to anything that was somehow connected to this bad news, and he could feel the amount of pity radiating in James’ touch. Annoying.
“I see,” James’ tone became hard to interpret, which was odd because James was very outward and obvious more often than not. But this time, he had this mysterious look on his face. Was that a scheming look?
“What now?” Regulus snapped. James grabbed Regulus’ bat and held it behind his back, trying to be sneaky.
“Be right back, Reg,” he said, and was gone sooner than Regulus could bring himself to ask where he was heading. Did he even need to ask that? What were the odds that the most protective boyfriend in this school, with a Quidditch bat, would be heading anywhere other than to the source of Regulus’ unhappiness?